Work has been exhausting, what with all the lifting of boxes and being on my feet most of the day. TAFE students start the new semester on the 30th, and for three weeks from then, I'm going to be battling boredom at Ithaca. Think of the money, think of the money...

Aforementioned money is supposed to be going towards my end-of-year trip to Italy. When my older sister flies in from Dubai next month I'm supposed to give her a definite idea of dates. Currently, the plan is to go in the two weeks between the end of exam block in November (on the 18th) until the beginning of graduation week in December (4th).

So, two weeks in Italy. What should I do there? Or rather, what should I do there with the friends who are giving consideration to coming with me (I have yet to discuss that with Brendan, we probably need to meet and discuss it in-depth)?

(Yes, it is rather early to be thinking about what to do there, but I have nothing interesting to update about at the moment.)

We're going to be based in Rome for the two weeks, and most of what I want to see is there. In other words, that's:

Since it looks like you're going to Rome, I'm going to be extraordinarily jealous! I'll also reccommend going into the Terme Museum to look at the frescoes. I didn't when I had the chance and I've been kicking myself ever since.Also: if you can get away for a day trip do go to Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli if at all possible. That was the best day of my life, when I went with the UCD Classics Department. Also, the Julio-Claudian Mausoleum (in Rome) is worth a look, and the Ara Pacis if it's open. (It was closed in 2002, indefinitely, but it might be open by now). I'll give you a few more things as I think of them, if you like. (And it's NEVER too early to plan a trip to Italy! I've got the itinerary for my next trip outlined in my head, and no way of actually getting there! *grins*)

I've seen many pictures of Hadrian's villa during ancient history lectures. I will certainly have to keep that in mind, because it looks just amazing. Similar story for the Ara Pacis, I've done at least two exams that had essay questions on it. :)

And of course, if there's anything else I should see, give me a list. There are attractions I'm overlooking, I'm sure!

The Baths of Caracalla are also worth a look.Oh! And!(I know it's a real moneywaster, but...) Get your photo taken with legionaries/Julius Caesar/whoever outside the Colosseum. So funny. My Mum dared me to do it when I went, and I didn't regret it. Best ten Euro I spent that week. (If you can, post the pic(s) here so we can all enjoy them! *grins*)If you can, you should get a hold of The Oxford Archaeological Guide to Rome. I can't remember the author's name (I'll check it this evening and let you know tomorrow), because it gives a potted history of each site as well as maps and diagrams. It was a text I used for my undergrad Archaeology course, and my lecturers used it as a tour guide when we visited Rome ourselves. Excellent book and alsways worth adding to your collection.

I second Hadrian's Villa. And I think the Ara Pacis is open again...the first time I went to Rome, which was six years ago, was the only time I got to see it!

Are you considering going down to Campagnia? You could see Cumae, Baiae, Pompeii, Herculaneum, all those places. And the last time I went down there was in November--it wasn't too crowded, because it's not tourist season.

Also, let me know if you want more info on what to do in Rome. I can compile a staggering list. :-P

Pompeii and Herculaneum are points of interest for me, particularly since they're close to Naples. Two friends of mine actually did some archaeological work there last year, and the photos they brought back were beautiful.

The one place everyone in my family who's been to Italy (or plans to go) aims at getting to is the Cinque Terra. I don't know much about the region beyond the name, but I think you're looking at the sort of little villages which would be an Italian stereotype if they didn't actually exist.

As another recommendation, if transport and geography work I can seriously recommend Tuscany. Yes, the Leaning Tower is as touristy as they come, but that doesn't mean that it's bad. Plus there are some lovely little towns around that area - San Gimignano is a family favourite.

I've heard good things about Tuscany, and San Gimigano has some very interesting architecture and artwork by the looks of it. And thankyou for reminding me of the Leaning Tower. Touristy yes, but an interesting attraction nontheless.

Btw, I e-mailed my uncle about that Tin Tin drawing late last week and expect a reply soon. :)

One thing to remember about the Tower is that there are three million one-way streets in Pisa, so make dead certain your map is accurate if you're driving to it. If not, you'll immediately see why the average Tuscan town was so easy to defend.

What sort of time are you looking at being in Italy? There are plans afoot with my folks to do various bits of Europe and end up somewhere there during the end-of-year holidays.

I'm hoping to sandwich the trip in between the end of semester 2 exam block and the beginning of graduation week (that's from about the 18th of November to the 4th of December). I want to avoid tourist season and the Mediterranean summer.

Two weeks isn't a particularly long time for a country like Italy, but then I'm paying for the trip myself and can't afford to stay longer. :/